Abstract
Background
Few researchers receive formal training in research translation and dissemination or policy engagement. We created Amplify@LDI, a training program for health services and health policy researchers, to equip them with skills to increase the visibility of their research through translation and dissemination activities.
Aims
To describe the program’s participants and curriculum, and evaluate the first 2 years of the program.
Setting
The Leonard Davis Institute (LDI) at the University of Pennsylvania (Penn).
Participants
An annual cohort of 12 LDI Senior Fellows (Penn faculty) from multiple schools, disciplines, and ranks at Penn.
Program Description
The Amplify@LDI curriculum includes 6 sessions on different aspects of research translation and dissemination, including media and social engagement, writing Op-Eds, and policy engagement.
Program Evaluation
Participants reported measurable increases in time spent on translation and dissemination activities, as well as new enthusiasm for and confidence in policy engagement. Participants’ reach (as measured by Altmetric) increased during the program, compared to smaller increases or reductions in reach for two comparator groups.
Discussion
In our preliminary evaluation of Amplify@LDI, we find strong evidence of positive impact from participant evaluations, and suggestive evidence that participation in the program is associated with significant increases in the reach of their research.
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Data Availability
De-identified program data may be made available upon request to the first author.
References
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Altmetric. What is Altmetric and what does it provide? Available at: https://help.altmetric.com/support/solutions/articles/6000232837-what-is-altmetric-and-what-does-it-provide-. Accessed January 23, 2023.
Altmetric. Explorer for Publishers. Available at: https://www.altmetric.com/products/explorer-for-publishers/. Accessed January 23, 2023.
Altmetric. Collecting attention: defining a mention. Available at: https://help.altmetric.com/support/solutions/articles/6000240575-defining-a-mention. Accessed January 23, 2023.
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Conflict of Interest
RMW reports funding from the Leonard Davis Institue of Health Economics and from the National Institutes on Aging. None of the other authors report any conflicts of interest.
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Buttenheim, A.M., Grande, D., Ruskin, T. et al. Training Health Policy Researchers on Policy Engagement and Research Translation for Greater Impact: Evaluation of the Amplify@LDI Program. J GEN INTERN MED 38, 3073–3076 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11606-023-08341-x
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11606-023-08341-x